The Flickr Fairpark Image Generatr

The Texas Centennial Exposition was not only a celebration of Texas independence, but also of Texas and Western culture. The 1936-37 Exposition was also a festival of architecture, which embraced the then-new International style of architecture. Traditionally, worlds fairs are the testing grounds for new ideas in building design; Dallas and its Exposition architects chose to reflect the style of the Exposition Des Arts Decoratifs in Paris in 1925. They were also influenced by the recently completed "Century of Progress" in Chicago (1933-34), where the International style of architecture was prominently displayed.

The significance of Fair Park also extends beyond the architectural theme of the remaining buildings. Fair Park is one of the largest intact grouping of Exposition buildings remaining in the United States. Most World's Fairs or Exposition grounds in the United States have been demolished, except for one or two exceptional buildings. However, many of the original 1936 buildings and open spaces remain today from the Texas Centennial Exposition, even though several were constructed as "temporary" structures.

Fair Park is also significant in terms of urban design, open space design, and artwork and sculpture. The Exposition architecture expressed monumentality in design, but this was reinforced by the open spaces and landscaping that the buildings were sited around. The grounds were planned on two landscape design themes: a Beaux Arts theme that involved grand plazas and vistas that intersected or were terminated by major buildings, and a pastoral theme that used winding paths, random landscaping, and building siting to create a very informal atmosphere. The majority of these open spaces, both formal and informal, exist today in one of America's most well-planned parks. Four major open space areas (and their buildings) still remain: Esplanade of State (Grand Plaza—Esplanade of State—Texas Court of Honor); Agrarian Parkway and The Chute; Federal Concourse (Federal Concourse—Constitution Place—Stadium Plaza); and the Lagoon and Centennial Drive. These spaces combine to create a series of monumental spaces, formal vistas, landscaping, and pastoral images unparalleled in a planned park in Texas and the Southwest.

The sculptures, murals, and other artwork remaining from the Exposition are also significant. Often intended to be "temporary" artwork, they reinforced the monumentality of the buildings and the open space design in Fair Park. Many of the artists studied in Paris; their work remains in exterior spaces as sculpture and murals, and inside many of the buildings in the Park.

This structure, now known as the Hall of State, at the head of the Esplanade and seen in the photograph above, was constructed in 1936 and is regarded as an excellent example of Art Deco architecture and was the showpiece of the Centennial Exposition. It features a large curved central mass with lower rectangular wings. The Centennial Corporation Architects (George Dahl and staff, including Donald Nelson) prepared the design and construction documents for this building, only to have the board of Control (a State agency established to oversee the entire Centennial effort) select another group of architects to begin again. This group of architects was called the Centennial Architects Associated, and included H.B. Thomason, Dewitt and Washburn, Fooshee and Cheek, Walter P. Sharp, Ralph Bryan, Anton Korn, Mark Lemmon, Flint and Brass, T.J. Galbraith, Arthur Thomas, Donald Barthelme of Houston, and Adams and Adams of San Antonio. Donald Barthelme was the principal designer for the project, and Adams and Adams were the interior designers. Unfortunately, the building was only partially completed in time for the Centennial Exposition opening. It houses many pieces of art, including statues, friezes, murals, medallions, and stenciled ceilings. The building is dedicated to the State of Texas and her heroes. Above the entrance is a carved sculpture by Harry Lee Bigson. In relief, a female figure, which represents Texas, kneels behind the Texas flag. Below, the owl of wisdom holds the key to progress and prosperity. In the background are branches from the State tree, the pecan. Focusing attention on the entrance is an heroic bronze and gold-leaf statue of an Indian, which stands on a dais 20' high. This "Tejas Warrior" by Dallas sculptor Allie V. Tennant is 11' tall. The figure acts as a terminus for the bronze floors at the entrance. The inner wall of the niche is faced with ceramic tiles of deep blue and orange. Inside the size and drama of the art is overwhelming. In the Hall of Heroes, on marble pedestals, are six heroic-sized bronze statues of great figures of the Texas Revolution. These statues by Pompeo Coppini are considered to be the finest examples of his work. Above and along the walls is a frieze that records the battles of the Texas Revolution. The Hall of Heroes opens onto the Great Hall, which is 94' long, 68' wide, and 46' high. Murals span the north and south walls. They depict Texas history beginning in 1519 and ending with figures representing the arts and the development of the cotton, grain, oil, lumber, and agricultural industries. The murals, by Eugene Savage of New York, with the assistance by Reveau Bassett and James Buchanan Winn, Jr., both of Texas, were the largest murals in the world at the time they were painted. And, finally, a magnificent medallion representing the six nations that have ruled Texas is mounted on the far wall of the hall. Designed by Joseph E. Renier, the medallion, 25' in diameter, is a bas-relief in three tones of gold.

The Texas Centennial Exposition Buildings (or more commonly referred to as Fair Park or Site of Texas State Fairs) was added to the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) on September 24, 1986 for its long standing history described above and includes The Women's Museum above. Most all of the information above was found on the original documents submitted for listing consideration and can be viewed here:
npgallery.nps.gov/NRHP/AssetDetail/c6f55c0d-ef32-44ca-950...

Three bracketed photos were taken with a handheld Nikon D7200 and combined with Photomatix Pro to create this HDR image. Additional adjustments were made in Photoshop CS6.

"For I know the plans I have for you", declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." ~Jeremiah 29:11

The best way to view my photostream is through Flickriver with the following link: www.flickriver.com/photos/photojourney57/

State Fair of Texas, Fair Park, Dallas, Texas

'Roid Week April 2025 - Day 4 #2

09/27/19 PolaCon2019

The Contralto and The Tenor are a pair of iconic Art Deco statues located in the Esplanade at Fair Park, Dallas, Texas, near the distinctive blue sound pylons. Created by sculptor Lawrence Tenney Stevens for the 1936 Texas Centennial Exposition, these 15-foot aluminum sculptures were designed to enhance the aesthetic of the fairgrounds and complement the functional sound pylons, which likely amplified announcements during the event. The statues embody the bold, streamlined style of 1930s Art Deco, reflecting the era’s celebration of modernity and artistic expression.

The Contralto depicts a nude female figure with flowing hair, her pose exuding grace and dynamism. The name "Contralto," referring to the lowest female vocal range, suggests a lyrical, harmonious quality, aligning with the statue’s elegant form.

The Tenor, its male counterpart, portrays a nude male with defined musculature, evoking strength and balance. Named for the highest male vocal range, it complements Contralto’s softer lines with a more robust presence.

Positioned to frame the Esplanade, the statues softened the stark utility of the sound pylons while contributing to the grandeur of Fair Park, which was transformed for the 1936 exposition into the largest collection of Art Deco architecture in the United States. However, the original aluminum statues are believed to have been melted down during World War II for the war effort, though their exact fate is uncertain.

In 2009, Dallas sculptor David Newton meticulously recreated both statues, restoring their historic presence at Fair Park. Using archival images and period descriptions, Newton’s reproductions capture the original Art Deco spirit, with Contralto’s flowing contours and Tenor’s structured form faithfully revived. These recreated sculptures stand as a tribute to the 1936 exposition’s legacy and Fair Park’s ongoing cultural significance.
Fair Park, a 277-acre National Historic Landmark, remains a vibrant site, hosting millions annually for events like the State Fair of Texas. The Contralto and The Tenor are accessible year-round, offering visitors a striking glimpse into the park’s rich artistic and historical heritage, set amid its lush grounds and landmark architecture.

The Contralto and The Tenor are a pair of iconic Art Deco statues located in the Esplanade at Fair Park, Dallas, Texas, near the distinctive blue sound pylons. Created by sculptor Lawrence Tenney Stevens for the 1936 Texas Centennial Exposition, these 15-foot aluminum sculptures were designed to enhance the aesthetic of the fairgrounds and complement the functional sound pylons, which likely amplified announcements during the event. The statues embody the bold, streamlined style of 1930s Art Deco, reflecting the era’s celebration of modernity and artistic expression.

The Contralto depicts a nude female figure with flowing hair, her pose exuding grace and dynamism. The name "Contralto," referring to the lowest female vocal range, suggests a lyrical, harmonious quality, aligning with the statue’s elegant form.

The Tenor, its male counterpart, portrays a nude male with defined musculature, evoking strength and balance. Named for the highest male vocal range, it complements Contralto’s softer lines with a more robust presence.

Positioned to frame the Esplanade, the statues softened the stark utility of the sound pylons while contributing to the grandeur of Fair Park, which was transformed for the 1936 exposition into the largest collection of Art Deco architecture in the United States. However, the original aluminum statues are believed to have been melted down during World War II for the war effort, though their exact fate is uncertain.

In 2009, Dallas sculptor David Newton meticulously recreated both statues, restoring their historic presence at Fair Park. Using archival images and period descriptions, Newton’s reproductions capture the original Art Deco spirit, with Contralto’s flowing contours and Tenor’s structured form faithfully revived. These recreated sculptures stand as a tribute to the 1936 exposition’s legacy and Fair Park’s ongoing cultural significance.
Fair Park, a 277-acre National Historic Landmark, remains a vibrant site, hosting millions annually for events like the State Fair of Texas. The Contralto and The Tenor are accessible year-round, offering visitors a striking glimpse into the park’s rich artistic and historical heritage, set amid its lush grounds and landmark architecture.

The winner of the Cotton Bowl Classic is awarded the Field Scovell Trophy (seen in the photograph above). Field Scovell was the consummate public relations man and patriarch of the Dallas sporting community. A goodwill ambassador whose famous "Howdy, Podner" greeting, his spontaneous one-liners, and the crunch of his handshake opened countless doors for the City of Dallas. For nearly four decades, Field served as the Cotton Bowl's Chairman of Team Selection. Some attributed his success to a dish of his famous homemade ice cream served up by his wife Mary. Regardless of what his secret may have been, people around the world knew him simply as Mr. Cotton Bowl. So, in his honor, the Classic's championship award is named the Field Scovell Trophy.

-- Technical Information (or Nerdy Stuff) --
‧ Camera - Nikon D7200 (handheld)
‧ Lens – Nikkor 18-300mm Zoom
‧ ISO – 1250
‧ Aperture – f/9
‧ Exposure – 1/40 second
‧ Focal Length – 120mm

The original RAW file was processed with Adobe Camera Raw and final adjustments were made with Photoshop CS6.

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." ~Jeremiah 29:11

The best way to view my photostream is through Flickriver with the following link: www.flickriver.com/photos/photojourney57/

A sculpture representing Mexico by sculptor Raoul Josset keeps watch over The Esplanade at Fair Park, Dallas.

The Texas Centennial Exposition was not only a celebration of Texas independence, but also of Texas and Western culture. The 1936-37 Exposition was also a festival of architecture, which embraced the then-new International style of architecture. Traditionally, worlds fairs are the testing grounds for new ideas in building design; Dallas and its Exposition architects chose to reflect the style of the Exposition Des Arts Decoratifs in Paris in 1925. They were also influenced by the recently completed "Century of Progress" in Chicago (1933-34), where the International style of architecture was prominently displayed.

The significance of Fair Park also extends beyond the architectural theme of the remaining buildings. Fair Park is one of the largest intact grouping of Exposition buildings remaining in the United States. Most World's Fairs or Exposition grounds in the United States have been demolished, except for one or two exceptional buildings. However, many of the original 1936 buildings and open spaces remain today from the Texas Centennial Exposition, even though several were constructed as "temporary" structures.

Fair Park is also significant in terms of urban design, open space design, and artwork and sculpture. The Exposition architecture expressed monumentality in design, but this was reinforced by the open spaces and landscaping that the buildings were sited around. The grounds were planned on two landscape design themes: a Beaux Arts theme that involved grand plazas and vistas that intersected or were terminated by major buildings, and a pastoral theme that used winding paths, random landscaping, and building siting to create a very informal atmosphere. The majority of these open spaces, both formal and informal, exist today in one of America's most well-planned parks. Four major open space areas (and their buildings) still remain: Esplanade of State (Grand Plaza—Esplanade of State—Texas Court of Honor); Agrarian Parkway and The Chute; Federal Concourse (Federal Concourse—Constitution Place—Stadium Plaza); and the Lagoon and Centennial Drive. These spaces combine to create a series of monumental spaces, formal vistas, landscaping, and pastoral images unparalleled in a planned park in Texas and the Southwest.

The sculptures, murals, and other artwork remaining from the Exposition are also significant. Often intended to be "temporary" artwork, they reinforced the monumentality of the buildings and the open space design in Fair Park. Many of the artists studied in Paris; their work remains in exterior spaces as sculpture and murals, and inside many of the buildings in the Park.

The Texas Centennial Exposition Buildings (or more commonly referred to as Fair Park or Site of Texas State Fairs) was added to the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) on September 24, 1986 for its long standing history described above. Most all of the information above was found on the original documents submitted for listing consideration and can be viewed here:
npgallery.nps.gov/NRHP/AssetDetail/c6f55c0d-ef32-44ca-950...

Further indication of the importance and historical significance of the State Fair of Texas can be found within the Fair Park grounds on the historical marker erected in 1969 by the Texas State Historical Survey Committee. It reads:
Founded in 1886, the State Fair of Texas now ranks as the most largely attended state fair in the U.S. It was begun as a private, nonprofit corporation for civic purposes by Capt. W.H. Gaston and other pioneer business and civic leaders of Dallas.
Since 1904 the fair grounds have been owned by the city, which maintains them as a public park except during the annual two-week fair.
The fair suspended operations for two years in order to permit the Central Exposition of the Texas Centennial Celebration to be held here in 1936. In 1937 the Pan American Exposition used the grounds.
Over the years great names have appeared here, including Wild West showman Buffalo Bill, Harry Houdini the magician, silver-tongued orator William Jennings Bryan, and Comanche War Chief Quanah Parker.
Federal, state, and city governments have erected a series of permanent buildings on the fair grounds, including the Hall of State, five other museums, Music Hall, Livestock Coliseum, and "Cotton Bowl".
Originally 80 acres in size, the grounds have been successively enlarged to include the present 250 acres. Over 100,000,000 persons have entered its gates during annual expositions.

Three bracketed photos were taken with a handheld Nikon D7200 and combined with Photomatix Pro to create this HDR image. Additional adjustments were made in Photoshop CS6.

"For I know the plans I have for you", declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." ~Jeremiah 29:11

The best way to view my photostream is through Flickriver with the following link: www.flickriver.com/photos/photojourney57/